The Islanders' reward for getting into the playoffs for the first time since 2007? A series with the best team in the Eastern Conference. Pittsburgh is getting healthier with Evgeni Malkin and James Neal returning to the lineup last week and Sidney Crosby's return could happen in short order. John Tavares and mates will have their work cut out for them in this series.

After a one-year absence, Montreal returns to the field as the Northeast Division champ. The Canadiens staged a remarkable turnaround and are a team to be reckoned with, led by defenseman PK Subban and goaltender Carey Price. Ottawa found a way to survive key injuries to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

For the third consecutive year and for the fourth time in five, the Capitals and Rangers will meet. Alex Ovechkin finished the season with a league-leading 32 goals and will be tough for the Rangers to contain. The Rangers will lean on world-class goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (he had a 2.05 goals-against average) and a tough and stingy defense.

Boston seemed destined to be the 2-seed in the East, but 4-6-2 finish cost the Bruins the Northeast Division title (as well as the certainty of avoiding the Penguins for as long as possible). Now, Brad Marchand & Co. will face an Original Six foe. Toronto used strong play from Phil Kessel (a former Bruin), Nazem Kadri and goalie James Reimer to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004.